where to get service manuals (on web)?
#13
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I guess my main question is, what sort of information are you looking for?
Is anyone really going to attempt to make modifications to such a superbly engineered car? Won't this type of stuff void the warranty? All maintenance is covered (at least in the US) so again, I don't see why anyone needs to pay anything for these manuals.
I could see if the E60's were being purchased used and out of warranty but for now, I'm just not sure why something like a Bentley's manual is worth anything at this early stage in the E60's life.
What am I missing?
Is anyone really going to attempt to make modifications to such a superbly engineered car? Won't this type of stuff void the warranty? All maintenance is covered (at least in the US) so again, I don't see why anyone needs to pay anything for these manuals.
I could see if the E60's were being purchased used and out of warranty but for now, I'm just not sure why something like a Bentley's manual is worth anything at this early stage in the E60's life.
What am I missing?
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You aren't missing anything really, especially for those who are not planning on keeping the car for the long haul. While the warranty should cover most of us for at least three years, there is a lot to learn about what makes things tick and little whirring motors. The Bentley manual would be a good place to start, especially if down-the-road maintenance was a prospect.
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where are the wires routed? where and what kind of sensors are wherever? if there is a cooolant temperature sensor, where is it and where do the wires go? I won't explain further.
Many of the owners of bmw around here are engineers or the like. I want to know how to take the car apart without actually doing it for example. I can go on but most of you already understand where I am coming from. Maybe someone wants to know where the nearest hot wire to tap into is running and what circuits feed it. Where are hidden fasteners when repairing trim or replacing panels? If you want to drill a hole, whats behind the panel you might damage? Some of us might want to customize. Any more reasons to justify getting a manual that will last the life of the car.... like 10-15 years? These actions don't void the warranty.
Many of the owners of bmw around here are engineers or the like. I want to know how to take the car apart without actually doing it for example. I can go on but most of you already understand where I am coming from. Maybe someone wants to know where the nearest hot wire to tap into is running and what circuits feed it. Where are hidden fasteners when repairing trim or replacing panels? If you want to drill a hole, whats behind the panel you might damage? Some of us might want to customize. Any more reasons to justify getting a manual that will last the life of the car.... like 10-15 years? These actions don't void the warranty.
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I really wouldn't modify anything that would void the warrenty, but I like to know everything I can about the vehicle. Those manuals show illustrations that teach me how things are put together.
When I fly an airplane that's unfamiliar to me, I buy an owners manual, and read EVERY page before I get in the plane. It gives me a sense of security.
How many of you guys read the owners manuals for th E60? I actually had pink eye the day I picked up my car 4/8/04, so I didn't feel like driving. I read every manual at least 3 times.
I know, I know, I'm wierd. My wife tells me that all the time. If she says 'It's just a car' one more time, you guys may be reading about me on the news (just kidding!)
James
When I fly an airplane that's unfamiliar to me, I buy an owners manual, and read EVERY page before I get in the plane. It gives me a sense of security.
How many of you guys read the owners manuals for th E60? I actually had pink eye the day I picked up my car 4/8/04, so I didn't feel like driving. I read every manual at least 3 times.
I know, I know, I'm wierd. My wife tells me that all the time. If she says 'It's just a car' one more time, you guys may be reading about me on the news (just kidding!)
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James
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I'm with you on this one, thanks to this site, I know the manual backwards and on phoning BMW to ask a few questions (UK Customer service) they informed me I seem to know more than them as they didn't have a clue about all the voice control problems etc.
I agree, I have an anatomy atlas but don't feel the need to dissect myself just yet, Knowing the build-up and design of anything lets us understand its use so much better.
I agree, I have an anatomy atlas but don't feel the need to dissect myself just yet, Knowing the build-up and design of anything lets us understand its use so much better.
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I must be one of those too who love to read owners manuals. It lets me know as much about how they intended the thing t work, rather than only guessing at how it should work.
I do like to bounce between some guessing, and then re-reading to find out all the details. Sometimes though you can also find those areas where the manuals are vague and imcomplete, and then you wish you could add to the manuals and finish them off.
I do like to bounce between some guessing, and then re-reading to find out all the details. Sometimes though you can also find those areas where the manuals are vague and imcomplete, and then you wish you could add to the manuals and finish them off.
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I read the .pdf manual a few times over before even getting the car. On delivery, as is usual with my deliveries, I knew more about the car than the delivery specialist.
Once I had a chance to have the car for some time, I re-read the manual probably one or two more times.
I certainly agree with the reasons why some of you want to learn more. For some reason I assumed that the service manuals were needed to start tearing the thing apart and bolting on a bunch of junk, etc.
Once I had a chance to have the car for some time, I re-read the manual probably one or two more times.
I certainly agree with the reasons why some of you want to learn more. For some reason I assumed that the service manuals were needed to start tearing the thing apart and bolting on a bunch of junk, etc.